All the way back in 2016 I started using the HyperX Cloud IIs, and when those broke at the end of 2020/early 2021, I then upgraded to the Cloud Alphas which is what I'm using to make this review.The included pry bar was a nice gesture, but I ended not using it at all for the entire process. Pulling off the old ear cups using my hands was an easy enough task. Attaching the new ear cups was admittedly a 10 or 15 minute ordeal as I had issues manipulating the little leather lip into the small gap to secure them on the headset, but this is standard fare for me. I followed the same orientation as shown in the product images with the small point on the back of the ear cups facing up towards the headband.Even with about 4 years of use, I still prefer the older stock ear cups. Not exactly sure if it's just bias as it's what I'm used to because I had so much time to break it in and adjust. Compared to the old ear cups, the blockage of constant low frequency sounds (PC fans in my scenario) is about the same with these replacements. Those 4 year old ear cups have about the same level of memory foam firmness as these new ones which is somewhat disappointing, so I have my doubts on the high density memory foam. Even with that said my ears never touched the audio drivers nor experienced any pain or discomfort. Cannot comment on the claim of enhancing alto & bass tones as music as the few genres I listen to regularly sounds more or less the same as before.At the time of this review these replacement ear cups cost 20 dollars, placing them in the upper echelon of replacement ear cups alongside WC Wicked Cushions, Brainwavez, and Geekria but of course there's cheaper alternatives. These perform their intended use case fine with nothing substantial for or against them.